Finding Contentus

Chapter 32: The R&R Tale (1)

Nights on end they had argued back and forth in trying to find the best names possible for their children. And now of all times, they miraculously figured out the combo gold mine set of significance for what the twins would represent and symbolize for their people.

Banti and Renero gasped in exhilarated excitement like children.

"Neosa." Banti whispered.

"Genesia." Renero whispered back, gaining more life and strength.

Banti released a breath and started to laugh, full of elevated joy, so did Renero.

"Neosa!"

"Genesia!"

They both forget their obscure position, their duty and their mission altogether in a crashing embrace of thrilled triumph. With moderate care of course that Renero took in not crushing her stomach.

"Yoah yoah yoah, I can't believe how brilliant we both are! I — I want to cry!"

Banti was already crying blissfully at this point. Renero laughed and planted a passionate kiss on her full lips of succulence.

"As to be expected from the strongest Chief and Chieftess of all time!" He boasted proudly like they were teenagers again.

"Aweeeeh!" Mpho joined her uncle and aunty in celebration, now knowing what her baby cousins would be called.

Renero picked her up happily like a delicate flower and Banti kissed her when Mpho kissed two spots on Banti's belly after Renero placed her back down on the ground.

"Helang, are my ears deceiving me?"

"Has our Warring Lion and Crafty Cheetah finally conquered the land of the unnamed?"

"Shoooo, and it just had to be down here in the dark of all places."

"Eh,ya, Chieftess Banti always says that the light only shines the brightest in the dark!"

"Ah,ah, it's the truth."

"Heheee, oh this is just fantastic!"

"Luna! How about just one for the road?"

"Make it two for the double up combo!"

"Halala! Halala!" Everyone cheered at the names for the children of their Chief and Chieftess while making sure their voices weren't too loud in attracting attention.

Amoar and Rasie allowed themselves to smile along, but unlike everyone else they still could not shake away the feeling of dread that came with Renero's command from the previous night.

The last night they would all spend together.

~~~

"Continue to move forward without me. You absolutely must! This an order from your Chief. Do not come back for me, and do everything in your power to make sure Banti does not come back for me. Everything! She is our bright light that is simply too important to lose!"

Renero disrupted their protests at every turn and stared intently into Rasie's light brown eyes that were seething at him in rage.

"Rasie, it is your duty to make sure that this enchantment barrier that you and Banti came up with is prepared over the land of freedom you find. Make sure it is crafted as soon as she regains her health after she gives birth to the twins. Your sternness and decisiveness in all adverse scenarios is what our people will always need. Continue to be our most resilient hope."

Rage that crumbled under the weight of sadness in being unable to say anything to her brother in law and his cruel ultimatum.

"Amoar, it is your duty to continue guiding everyone as you always have done. You were the one meant to be chief after all. Although I cannot transfer the Amo spirit to you until my death, I know your knowledge will be enough to maintain our way for as long as possible. You're a lot stronger than I am, you always have been. And I know you'll continue to be strong for them no matter what."